The recent death of a Maskwacis teen who was shot by police last month after he’d called 911 for help has many calling for action and highlights the urgent need to address systemic issues.
Members of Parliament are scheduled to hold an emergency debate in the House of Commons on Sept. 23, in reaction to a recent string of deaths of First Nations people during interactions with police.
Between Aug. 29 and Sept. 8, six First Nations people were killed by police in Canada.
In a statement, the national chief for the Assembly of First Nations Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak said the recent deaths demonstrate systemic issues across the country.
On Aug. 30, 15-year-old Hoss Lightning-Saddleback of Samson Cree Nation was shot and killed by police.
“The loss of Hoss Lightning is devastating for his family, his friends and his community. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to those dealing with this tragic loss,” said Indigenous Relations Minister Rick Wilson in a provided statement.
“The incident is currently under investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) and it would be inappropriate to provide further comment.”
According to an RCMP release, the youth had called 911, saying people were following him and trying to kill him. About an hour later, police located the caller and confiscated several weapons from him.
Although police say he was initially cooperative, there was reportedly an altercation and two officers shot at the boy, hitting him. He later died in hospital.
“Events like these are traumatic for everyone involved,” stated an RCMP press release.
“The Alberta RCMP wish to extend their profound condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of this young man.”
Lightning-Saddleback was reported missing earlier in the month. The Ponoka RCMP issued a press release on Aug. 11, asking for public assistance in locating the teen, who had been believed to be in the Wetaskiwin or Edmonton areas.
“My Nephew called the police for his own safety because he was being followed, he asked for their help, and they shot this 15-year-old boy that was already scared,” said a family member of the victim in a public Facebook post.
“They say he had a weapon but another Indigenous gone to such stupidity,” the post continued, adding a lawsuit should be filed.
“This is happening way too much in Maskwacis and many other reservations.
“If you all knew him the way his family and friends did then you would know he was no threat just a scared young boy walking alone trying to go home.”
A candlelight vigil was held for Lightning-Saddleback on Sept. 7 in Wetaskiwin near where he was shot.
Samson Cree Nation band councillor Izaiah Swampy Omeasoo posted a statement online calling for the two RCMP officers involved in the shooting to resign, as well as for police reform, Indigenous-focused de-escalation training and greater access to mental health support funding.
“As for the future, Indigenous-led solutions have proven to be beneficial across government,” said Wilson.
“I am working with my colleagues in Health, Mental Health and Addictions, and Public Safety and Emergency Services to ensure Indigenous Peoples in Alberta have access to culturally appropriate supports and services.”
- With files from The Canadian Press
